How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses, capped at $75000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Accelerating to Zero Grant Program?

Accelerating to Zero Grant Program is funded by Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact Fund (HCi3)

What are Accelerating to Zero Grant Program's eligibility criterias?

Applicants must be based in or actively engaged in Nova Scotia. Projects should be led by or partnered with organizations or communities representing historically racialized or marginalized groups or communities to be viewed favorably. Individuals, individual schools or classrooms, provincially owned entities, and political parties are not eligible.

Accelerating to Zero Grant Program

Last Update: April 3, 2025

NS, Canada

Support for innovative equitable low-carbon transition projects

Accelerating to Zero Grant Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $75,000
Up to 80% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Construction
Transportation and warehousing

Grant Providers

Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact Fund (HCi3)

Status

Open

Overview of the Accelerating to Zero Grant Program program

Get $50,000 to cover 80% of the total cost of the project for up to 24 months to support a broad range of climate solutions promoting equity, reconciliation, job creation, community resilience, and other environmental benefits.

Financing terms and conditions

Grants can cover up to 80% of total project costs, requiring a minimum of 20% from matching funds or in-kind contributions.
Acceleration grants, with a maximum funding of $75,000, are intended to help initiatives scale up within a 24-month period.
Catalyst grants provide up to $10,000 as seed funding for new initiatives.
Eligible matching funds can include non-cash contributions or in-kind contributions, provided these are auditable expenses directly related to the project.
Funding decisions for the Catalyst Stream are provided within two weeks of application submission.

Eligible projects & activities

Projects that directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Initiatives that lay the groundwork for ongoing greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
Projects supporting the development of low-carbon housing, including building retrofits and net-zero new construction.
Community-based renewable energy projects prioritizing social equity and innovative financing.
Exploration of electric and/or shared mobility solutions with community-wide benefits.
Projects enhancing social equity and promoting Reconciliation.
Projects fostering job and skill development, biodiversity, and community resilience.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 40,000

Developing urban green spaces to increase community resilience and biodiversity

$ 32,000

Implementing a recycling program schools to reduce waste and promote environmental stewardship

$ 40,000

Launching a community composting program to reduce organic waste and improve soil health

$ 40,000

Launching a community solar energy project to enhance local renewable energy use

$ 40,000

Establishing a green roofing program for small businesses to enhance urban sustainability

$ 40,000

Creating a mobile app to promote sustainable transportation choices and reduce carbon footprint

Eligibility criteria of the Accelerating to Zero Grant Program program

Applicants must be organizations or companies, excluding individuals, individual schools or classrooms, provincially owned entities, including crown corporations, and political parties.
Applicants must be based in or actively engaged in Nova Scotia, with the possibility for out-of-province partners if the primary applicant fits the criteria.
Projects should be led by or partnered with organizations or communities representing historically racialized or marginalized groups for favorable consideration.
Projects must lead to direct and/or potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions over a 20-year period.
Projects must secure a minimum of 20% matching funds, which can include non-cash contributions or in-kind contributions that are auditable and directly related to the project.
Projects must occur primarily within the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), but those led by First Nations or African Nova Scotian communities may occur outside these boundaries if they provide meaningful benefits to HRM.
Projects must demonstrate scalability or replicability both within and beyond HRM.
Projects must yield multiple community benefits, such as enhancing social equity, promoting Reconciliation, improving affordability, fostering job and skill development, enhancing biodiversity, or strengthening community resilience.
Projects must be completed within a maximum of 24 months from the start date.

Who is eligible?

Organizations and companies based in or actively engaged in Nova Scotia
Organizations or communities representing historically racialized or marginalized groups or communities are prioritized

Who is not eligible

Individuals
Individual schools or classrooms
Provincially owned entities, including crown corporations
Political parties

Eligible expenses

Personnel salaries directly related to the project, provided they are an auditable expense.
In-kind contributions such as salaries, if they are directly related to the project.
Non-cash contributions used as matching funds.

Eligible geographic areas

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)
Projects outside HRM led by First Nations or African Nova Scotian communities offering benefits to HRM
Applicants must be based in or actively engaged in Nova Scotia

Eligibility criteria of the Accelerating to Zero Grant Program program

Climate Impact: Projects must have long-term carbon reduction potential, focusing on scalability and replicability to enhance their impact.
Equitable Participation: Projects should aim to correct historical and systemic disadvantages within climate solutions, ensuring inclusive participation and empowering all voices, particularly those most affected by climate change.
Community and Partnerships: Beyond carbon reductions, projects should contribute to affordability, job creation, community resilience, health, and wellbeing, while fostering strong community partnerships.
Reconciliation: Commitment to advancing a Reconciliation economy, drawing on Indigenous models that emphasize equitable wealth and resource sharing; projects should foster collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities.

How to apply to the Accelerating to Zero Grant Program program

Review Program Guidelines and Eligibility

Familiarize yourself with the program's eligibility criteria and guidelines.
Ensure your organization and project meet the necessary requirements to apply.

Submit Your Idea Online

Visit the grant's official website and fill out the initial online form.
Provide details about your project concept and its alignment with the grant's objectives.

Initial Discussion Setup

After submission, expect the organization to reach out to schedule a discussion.
Engage in dialogue to co-develop projects aligning with grant objectives.

Develop Project Plan

Work alongside grant providers to form a detailed project charter and budget.
Ensure the project plan highlights community benefits and sustainability efforts.

Application Review

A review committee evaluates the application and provides feedback.
Refine the proposal based on constructive feedback from the review.

Final Submission and Decision

Submit the refined application for final consideration.
The funding decision will be communicated after the closing assessment.

Engage with Catalyst Stream Application (if applicable)

Submit an online inquiry or engage in a conversation if applying to the Catalyst Stream.
Participate in a streamlined application process for seed funding.

Additional information

Grants can cover up to 80% of total project costs, requiring at least 20% in matching funds or in-kind contributions.
A review committee assesses applications and may request clarification or modifications before a final decision is made.
Projects must be completed within 24 months from the start date.
Applications can include non-cash contributions or in-kind services as matching funds if they are directly related to the project and auditable.